As a golfer, I understand everything about etiquette. But etiquette evolved, if we stayed in the way Bobby Jones played, we would all be playing with rugby socks, 3/4 pants, a tie and wooden sticks. If I looked like Jesper Parnevick, I would look like a dumbass. It is about preference. I ride lycra under some baggies. 2 reasons, 1. I need some padding for my HT and 2. I do not like the look of lycra. My riding partner uses lycra only and that's his choice. Clipless vs Flats. Since I am not a pro or even good amateur., I use my foot now and then, so being able to take my foot off quick helps. Sure I have a disadvantage in not being able to pedal on big downhills for fear of slip off and busting a sack, but that is 5% of my ride. 29er vs 26er, I love my 29er, point. Not because a pro rides it, because I like it. We follow some pro advise, because, well...... They are the pro's, what they use is usually best, but if it does not work for you, you are a dumbass for using it. Edit: I'd like to think I now everything about etiquette, but alas, I sometimes fail myself. Sometimes you need to lower your expectations.
